FPHS Parent and Student Memo
March 29, 2021
Franklin Pierce High School
FPS District Equity Statement
AREAS OF FOCUS AND IMPROVEMENT:
- Equity and Social Justice
- Improved Instruction
- Family and Community Engagement
Our Equity Team would like to partner with our parents and students to fulfill our mission to support our students, staff, and families by identifying and dismantling systems that perpetuate, exacerbate, or produce inequities based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. If you would like to collaborate with us, please let us know HERE. If you want to learn more about our commitment to EQUITY and ANTI-RACISM, feel free to contact any of our FPHS Equity Team members: Hartley, Marzano, Wright, Laban, Hackney, Apelu, Brist, Call, Chapman, Detweiler, Fineman, Goodrum, Inman, Kaunda, B. Lee, Martin, Plaskett, Quill, Roscoe, Scroger, Shoopman, Washam, and C. Lee.
Dear Parents and Students,
Parents, if you would like to request a cohort change or a change in the method of instruction (in-person vs. remote), please use the link below. Note: only PARENTS can complete this form, not students. We will only honor requests as long as the reason for the request is reasonable and we can continue to maintain balanced cohorts and social distancing for all students and staff. Use this LINK to make your request. Please, give us at least a week to initiate any changes. The deadline to submit a change request is Tuesday, April 16.
HEADPHONES: Students, please bring a pair of inexpensive headphones daily. There may be occasions as directed by teachers to use headphones in classes to not disturb other students.
Students, are you interested in Running Start? Please, see HERE for info about an info meeting on Wednesday, March 31 at 6pm on Zoom.
Make sure you're following us on Social Media: FPHS Facebook page; FPHS Twitter page; FPHS Instagram page.
Visit HERE to view previous Parent and Student Memos.
Please, make sure you have all the info below. We miss you and wish you all the very best. Stay safe and be well!
The Green Check! Very Important!
At the start of each in-person school day, you MUST pass through the health screening check point in the Commons and show us your "Green Check" on your phone or laptop. You receive this Green Check by completing your daily health screening to declare that you do not currently have any of the Covid symptoms listed in the health screening survey. If you have any of the conditions described in the survey, you are required to stay home for the day. Do not check a symptom if you know it is related to a non-Covid condition (ex: asthma). We will need to have approximately 450 students pass through the check-in station within a 15 minute period, so please take the time to figure out the system that will be the fastest and easiest for you. There are several ways to complete the screening and get your Green Check. Here are the ways to complete the screening and get your Green Check:
- You can use the button in DORA called "FPHS Student Daily Symptom Checker." Click HERE for a video tutorial.
- You can use the QR code below. This QR code will be posted all over school, on your bus, and sent home with students to keep on your refrigerator, in your room, etc. Make sure your phone has a QR code reader. Click HERE for a video tutorial.
- Parents, you will receive a daily email with a link to the health screening survey. Please, do NOT complete the survey unless you intend to email or text the Green Check to your student for them to show us at the check-in station. The STUDENT must have the Green Check at the check-in station.
- Parents, in your daily email with the survey link, you will have the option of designating a cell phone number to receive the survey link via text. You CAN designate your student to receive that daily text to complete his/her own health screening survey. Students, the Green Check telling you you're cleared to go to school will expire after a time, so you must take a screen shot of the Green Check to show us at the check-in station. Parents, even if you designate your child to receive the daily text, you will still continue to receive the email and a confirmation that the survey was complete. Click HERE for a video tutorial.
All of these options can be completed via cell phone or student laptop. If a student requires a paper copy of the attestation, we do have those available as well. Paper attestations will take a little longer to complete, so please plan accordingly.
Return to In-Person Learning: Frequently Asked Questions ... (newest on top)
- Will there be an activity bus after school? Yes, starting Monday, March 29, there will be an activity bus leaving FPHS at 4:05pm each school day and dropping students off at limited stops throughout our community. The activity bus is for students participating in athletics, clubs, or HW Center after school.
- Will hall lockers be available? No, for Covid safety and sanitation, lockers will not be available at the start of our in-person learning. We may revisit this in a few weeks if the need arises.
- If I drive myself to school, do I need a parking permit? Yes, and you'll need to register your vehicle with our ASB Bookkeeper, Ms. Angermeir, within the first two weeks of our return. There will be no charge for parking passes this year.
- Where are my classes? Although you've been in online classes with your teachers, you might not know where your actual classes are for in-person learning. Make sure you write down your schedule and room numbers or save it on your phone. There's a campus map below, and there will be plenty of folks helping to get you to the right classroom on those first few days. We will have paper maps available and posted.
- Will school clubs be able to meet in person? Yes! Clubs can meet in person after school. All COVID safety guidelines still apply: social distancing, masks, maximum room capacity, etc. Students will need to head directly to their club meeting location after school to be supervised by their Advisor. Additional club info is below in this memo.
- How many students will be on campus each day? We have about 75% of our students choosing to return to in-person learning. As a result, we anticipate between 400 and 450 students on campus each day. As a reminder, we have to check all of those students in each day in about a 15 minute window in order to get everyone to class on time. This is why the "Green Check" info above is so important!
- If I choose to remain fully remote, can I change my mind later (or vice versa)? Yes. use the link at the top of this memo.
- Will we have any lessons on what to expect? Yes, on March 11 and 12, teachers delivered mini-lessons in all classes about what to expect for in-person learning. We also have a video on what to expect below.
- What about PE classes?
- All PE students need to come to school in athletic shoes/clothes that they can work out in.
- Students will NOT have access to the locker rooms and therefore will NOT be changing into PE clothes this Spring. It is important to note that students will still be working out, or/walking, jogging during class, and need to be prepared for activity.
- PE classes will go outside as much as possible weather permitting, so students should have a jacket or cold weather clothing. (Certain classes ie: Walking Fitness should plan for outdoor everyday.)
- Students will be required to keep their masks on inside or outside. Masks are required for all PE activities.
- Students should bring a water bottle to class as drinking fountains will not be used.
- Do I need to bring my laptop to school? Yes, all in-person students must bring their fully-charged laptop and charger to school every day. Students should also bring headphones each day.
- What if I'm feeling sick? If you're feeling sick at home, stay home, and contact your health care provider for next steps. If you're feeling sick at school, let your teacher know right away. You'll be removed from your classes and isolated from others until your parent can come pick you up to take you home.
- What time can I come to school? Students cannot arrive on campus or be dropped off until 7:55am. Classes start at 8:15am. If you arrive before 7:55am, please remain in your vehicle until 7:55am.
- What will the end of the day look like? All students must leave campus immediately at the end of the day. Students waiting for a ride, must wait at the front of the school near the flagpole. Students with sports or clubs must go directly to their meeting location to be supervised by their coach or club advisor. If your sport does not meet right after school, students must leave campus and come back when your practice begins.
- What if I'm a Pierce County Skills Center student? Your PCSC schedule was shared with you by Ms. Ledbetter. You will attend the Skills Center for a full day on Wednesdays only. You will attend your FPHS classes on Thursday or Friday based on your cohort.
- When do we start in-person? March 22nd!
- What will it look like? To maintain social distancing, we can only have half the students on campus at a time. Cohort A (last names A - L) will attend in-person classes on Monday (periods 1, 2, 3) and Thursday (periods 4, 5, 6). Cohort B (last names M - Z) will attend in-person classes on Tuesday (periods 1, 2, 3) and Friday (periods 4, 5, 6). Wednesdays will remain asynchronous (independent work time).
- What's the schedule? See the schedule below.
- What do I do on my remote days? You will Zoom into your class like you're doing now. The difference will be that while you're half of the class is Zooming in, the other half of the class will be in-person on campus receiving the same instruction at the same time. You still have class 4 days per week (2 in person, 2 remote).
- Will I have the same teachers and classes? Yes.
- Can I choose to remain fully remote? Yes. You will just continue to Zoom into classes like you are now while your classmates are receiving the same instruction in-person at the same time.
- Will breakfasts be served on campus? No, to help maintain social distancing, breakfasts will not be served or eaten on campus. Free breakfast grab bags will be available for all students to take home. Breakfasts should be eaten at home before coming to school. Breakfast should not be eaten on the bus.
- Will lunch be served on campus? Yes, we will have 3 lunches of about 150 students each in order to help maintain social distancing. See the schedule below. Lunch is free for all students. Lunches will be in prepackaged grab bags (not buffet/cafeteria style). Students must remain seated in the cafeteria or commons while eating. All seats are positioned to maintain social distancing. Students must sit in their assigned seat with an opportunity to change seats about every 5 weeks. Of course, masks may be removed while eating but must be worn again as soon as students are finished eating. The courtyard is available for students who want some fresh air and a chance to walk and stretch. Masks must still be worn while outside in the courtyard and social distancing must be maintained. Students may listen to headphones during lunch. Important: lunches are based on your Period 3 class for Monday and Tuesday and on your Period 6 class on Thursday or Friday, which means you may have a different lunch on each of those days.
- Are drinking fountains available? No, drinking fountains are not available. All students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and not share water bottles. Water bottle refill stations are available in the commons and gym foyer.
- What are the Covid safety guidelines? The standard guidelines are 1) All students and staff must wear masks properly throughout the entire day; 2) All students and staff must maintain social distancing; 3) All students and staff must wash/sanitize their hands frequently throughout the day; 4) All students and staff must stay home if you're not feeling well or showing any Covid symptoms. There are many additional safeguards that we'll continue to share (ex: daily cleaning protocols), but those are the 4 major guidelines from the Health Department.
- What if a student refuses to follow the safety guidelines? If a student repeatedly refuses or fails to follow our Covid safety guidelines, the student will be assigned to fully remote learning and will attend all classes from home.
- Can I change my cohort? Yes, a PARENT can request a cohort change. However, our first cohort designations will be based strictly on last names alphabetically so that we can create balanced cohorts. We will honor cohort change requests after the first two weeks ONLY if we can maintain balanced cohorts. This is critical in order for us to maintain social distancing while in-person. Cohort A = Last names A - L. Cohort B = Last names M - Z. Please, use the link at the top of this memo to request a change.
- When will I know about my bus route and number? The Transportation Department will have that information ready for families by March 15. You can find your bus route and times using this LINK and the username "guest" and password "guest".
- Will I have to check-in at school on my in-person days? Yes, all students must complete an online health screening (attestation) on your phone or computer before arriving at school. When arriving, all students must report to the courtyard immediately and enter the Commons through the courtyard doors to show their health screening (green check) and receive a stamp before proceeding directly to your first class of the day.
- Where can I get more information? For district information on reopening schools, visit HERE . For state guidelines for reopening schools visit HERE. For the most current info regarding Pierce County Covid case numbers, visit HERE.
Schedule:
Attendance FAQs for Parents:
-If my student is in hybrid learning but won’t be attending in person, can they still attend their classes virtually?
Students who are scheduled to be in-person, but do not attend, will be marked absent by the teacher. There may be circumstances when a student needs to miss in-person instruction but is still able to participate remotely. In this case, it's important to call the Attendance Coordinator to report the in-person absence. This will ensure the appropriate excusal code is entered.
-If my student is in remote learning, do I need to report their absence if they will not be attending class?
Students who are scheduled for remote learning will be marked absent if they do not attend their live class sessions. If your child cannot attend their live class sessions due to illness, apt, etc., please contact the Attendance Coordinator. This will ensure the appropriate excusal code is entered.
-How do I report an absence? What time should I report my student's absence?
You can report your student's absence by phone or by email. Stephanee Disney, Attendance Coordinator can be reached at 253-298-3813 or sdisney@fpschools.org
It is important to report your student's absence before 9:00am to avoid the auto-dialer message and ensure the appropriate excusal code is entered.
-What do the attendance auto dialer calls mean?
Beginning Monday, March 22nd, two different automated messages will be deployed, depending on the absence situation. Below are two scenarios to help make sense of these messages.
Scenario 1-Student does not attend scheduled in-person class: If the Attendance Coordinator does not receive an absence report by 9:00am, an auto-dialer phone call will deploy stating your child missed In-Person class.
Scenario 2-Student does not attend their scheduled remote class: If your student does not attend their live remote class, an auto-generated email will go out to families the following school day.
Hey, Freshmen!
Hey, Seniors!
- Graduation Info: Find Senior Info and Grad Info HERE. Our FPHS Graduation date is set for June 17 at 6pm at the WA State Fairgrounds. Note: All graduation event plans are tentative and will depend on the current state and county Covid restrictions or guidelines in place at that time.
- Senior Exit Interviews: To complete this graduation requirement, all seniors will be interviewed about their journey through high school and their future plans. In order to schedule an interview with their Cardinal Connections Advisor, students need to complete the following six things: 1. Academic and personal goals for the year; 2. Activity Log; 3. High school and beyond plan essay; 4. Verify knowledge of financial aid; 5. Interest assessment; and 6. Senior credit check meeting with their counselor. On Thursday March 11th, students should receive an email containing the interview questions, the rubric, and a survey. Students need to respond to the survey via the email.
- Last day for Seniors who are on-track to graduate: Friday, June 11.
- Grad Rehearsal: Tuesday, June 15, 9am, WA State Fairgrounds.
March Culture Calendar
March is ...
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: Learn more HERE.
3/8: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: Learn more HERE.
- 3/17: ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Learn more HERE.
- 3/21: INTL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION: Learn more HERE.
- 3/26: PRINCE KUHIO DAY: Learn more HERE.
- 3/28: PALM SUNDAY AND PASSOVER: Learn more HERE.
- 3/29: NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY: Learn more HERE.
- 3/31: CESAR CHAVEZ DAY: Learn more HERE.
Wonder Woman Spirit Gear for Women's History Month!
(Yes, the Superman hoodie is available too.)
New Schedule for High Schools in 2021-22!
Dear Franklin Pierce Students and Families:
As we work through challenges and opportunities related to the 2020-2021 school year, we continue to plan for the future and consider different ways to promote student achievement. After considering the requirements of the state’s Core 24 model, consulting with other districts, and gathering input from teachers and building and district leaders over the past few years, our two comprehensive high schools (FPHS and WHS) will transition our current 6-period schedule to a 4x8 block schedule (4 class periods/day and 8 courses/semester) beginning in the Fall of 2021.
Through this transition, we hope to take advantage of the following opportunities:
- Build on the momentum of the block schedule that we implemented through remote and hybrid learning during the 2020-2021 school year.
- Create additional capacity to make up for this year’s lost learning opportunities as a result of COVID-19.
- Provide greater opportunities for more students to access our core curriculum.
- Provide students with more opportunities to explore a greater variety of subjects that advance their personal and professional aspirations.
There will be many details to work out in the weeks and months ahead, but we wanted to take this opportunity to share this information with you. Know that this decision was not taken lightly and that we are committed to working with staff, students, and families on a successful transition.
LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL:
Family and Community Engagement
The Franklin Pierce High School Food & Hygiene Pantry is available for all students and their families.
Use this LINK to view our current food & hygiene pantry options. Please mark the items you need and staff will put together a bag or box. We will contact you when your bag is ready for pick up or delivery.
Additional ways to request items: You can request a paper copy of this form by contacting Bonita Lee at blee@fpschools.org or call 253-298-3837 to request items via phone.
Social Justice, Equity, and Anti-Racist Resources:
- The group Stop AAPI Hate has found nearly 3,800 racial incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders were reported from March 2020 to February 2021. In the video below, Diane Fujino, a professor of Asian American studies at UC Santa Barbara, spoke with CBSN's "Red & Blue" about the hate targeting this population and its long history in the U.S.
The first step in ALLYSHIP is LISTENING.
The second step is BELIEVING.
The third step is ACTION. Get involved and create the positive change you want to see in the world.
FPHS Sports
FPHS Athletes and Families,
After almost a year of no organized sports we are wrapping up our first athletic season for 2021. It was fantastic to see all of the hard work by the coaching staffs and athletes to make this season happen. Even more promising with the changing guidelines is that it looks more realistic than ever that there will be a basketball and wrestling season this year.
Also some new and exciting news is the creation of Pierce County Girls Flag Football Club in partnership with Nike, the Seattle Seahawks and the Tacoma and Bethel Schools. The teams will include (Foss, Wilson, Mt. Tahoma, Lincoln, Stadium, Franklin Pierce, Washington, Spanaway Lake, Bethel and Graham-Kapowsin.) The season will start on April 26th and go until June 13th. Nike is sponsoring 25 uniform sets for each school.
Coming this next week on Monday, March 29th we begin our traditional spring sports. There will be two sports that overlap by a week. Both football and golf will extend one additional week past the start of spring sports and will end on April 2nd with the completion of the Franklin Pierce vs. Washing football game commonly referred to as the Helmet Bowl. At the Helmet Bowl both programs will be celebrating their senior nights as well. There will be fans allowed to attend from both schools but will be limited. For our senior football players however we will be allowing four guests to attend in their honor.
If you are planning on participating in any of the spring sports the process is the same as before. Be sure to have a registered in FamilyID and be certain to have physical which was completed within the last two years. Below is the link for registration for spring sports.
https://www.familyid.com/organizations/franklin-pierce-high-school
Listed below are our spring track and field coaches as well as their contact information. Please reach out to them if you have any questions about the upcoming spring sports season.
- Track and Field (Boys and Girls
- Coach Howard Lutton & Coach Amy Utecht
- Hlutton@fpschools.org & Autecht@fpschools.org
- Baseball
- Coach Nick Aloisio
- Naloisio@fpschools.org
- Softball
- Coach Jen Bruce
- Jbruce@fpschools.org
- Soccer (Boys)
- Coach Brandon Henry
- Bhenry@fpschools.org
- Tennis (Boys)
- Coach Tyler Parsons
- Tparsons@fpschools.org
Boys and Girls Golf
The boys and girls golf team are scheduled to have their post season tournament at Eagle’s Pride in Lacey, Washington on Wednesday, March 31st and Thursday, April 1st. This season has been one of the strongest seasons in almost six years for the girls golf team in regard to point total!
Cross Country (Boys and Girls)
At Wednesdays meet vs. Clover Park and Washington High School the Cards defeated both teams and honored seniors Savannah Sheridan and Chris Byrd. Congratulations to the following athletes who have qualified for the League Championships at Fort Steilacoom Park on Saturday, March 27th. For the boys team (Isaac Venable, Modi Wani, Malachi Chang, Jadon Shadlow, Francisco Bravo, Malik Goodrum, Sam Hamilton, and alternate Will Hutchens and Lucas Armstrong!) For the girls team (Hattie Lindow, Savannah Sheridan, Avril Onofre, Bre Packard, Leslie Gonzalez. Tomorrow the boys race at 11:30 and the girls race at 12:15. If you plan to be at the park that day please wear a mask and abide by social distance guidelines.
Football
Tonight the Cardinals head to Steilacoom to play one of the top teams in the state! The program has relied heavily on some of their youth to carry them through this season over the last couple of weeks, but have also had solid veteran leadership. At the Helmet Bowl next week both programs will be celebrating their senior nights as well. There will be fans allowed to attend from both schools but will be limited. For our senior football players however we will be allowing four guests to attend in their honor.
Girls Soccer
The girls soccer program wrapped up its season last evening in an SPLS playoff game vs Steilacoom HS. The team finished the season with some notable games including a tough fought matchup that ended in a tied vs. Eatonville. A big win vs. Washington High School and a win against Clover Park.
Girls Swim
The girls swim program did have their first home swim meet against Fife this week and it was a great experience for all of the girls. The girls also had their senior night and recognized senior swimmers Dylynne Howser an Bree Reinitz. The league swim meet has become a reality and it will be hosted on Saturday, March 27th at Mount Tahoma HS. Please reach out to the head coach for updates on this potential swim meet as all updates will be relayed through the coach moving forward.
Athletics video below about fans at games and competitions:
FPHS Club Info:
- ESports Team: Do you play CS:GO, Overwatch, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Rainbow Six: Siege, Hearthstone, NBA 2K21, Minecraft, Valorant, 10 Minute Chess, Call of Duty? Join our ESports Team. Contact Mr. Lindsey at jlindsey@fpschools.org for more info.
- Black Student Union: The BSU Meets every other Wednesday from 2:00pm-3:00pm. We are currently meeting on Zoom. If students are interested in joining a meeting, please email Blee@fpschools.org
- Latin@s Unid@s: Culture, resources, support, friends; Cultura, recursos, apoyo, amistad. We meet on Mondays at 1:55pm in room 404 or on Zoom. For more info, contact Mr. Call at dcall@fpschools.org.
- KPOP Club: FP Korean Club was formed so students at the high school can gather and have the opportunity to take part in learning the Korean language, Korean culture and KPOP dances. We will start meeting in person every Thursday starting April 1 in room 902 at 2:15pm.
Yearbooks!
Homework Center: Free Tutoring Daily
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11am to 12pm and 2pm - 4pm.
- Wednesdays: 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm.
HW Center LINK.
Assessment Center!
Assessment Updates:
State Testing
Washington State is currently working with the Biden administration to seek a waiver to "skip" state testing this year. If this does not get approved at the federal level, we will conduct the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in Math and ELA as well as the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). If this is the case, state assessments will be administered this Spring. We've also learned that assessments will have fewer questions and prompts than previous non-Covid years. More information to come.
College Board Testing
These exams include PSAT, SAT, and AP exams. In Fall, FPS decided not to offer PSAT or SAT due to Covid restrictions and College Board requirements. Recently, our region has moved to the moderate Covid phase which allows us to bring more students back in a variety of settings. We are reviewing our current safety protocols and testing guidelines to see how we can provide opportunities for students to access these assessments this Spring.
At this time, you can expect that students enrolled in AP courses will be taking the AP exam in Spring. Testing may take place remotely or in person. We are currently in the planning stage and will notify families as soon as our plan is set.
For all College Board exams, preparation materials and resources can be found on their website. https://www.collegeboard.org
SAT
On April 27, 2021 Junior and Senior students will have the opportunity to take the SAT exam on campus. While we usually offer this test for all Juniors, this year we are asking students to opt-in. Testing will take place during the school day, and Covid safety measures will be followed. Please follow this LINK to sign-up for testing.
If your student is a senior, they may consider taking the SAT if they have not yet met standard for the state test in English or Math. If you are unsure of your students’ graduation status, please contact their counselor.
Resources
School Resources:
- District Website: https://www.fpschools.org/
- Franklin Pierce HS Website
- FPS Remote Learning Website
- IT Help Desk for Students and Parents: 253-298-4647, 7:30AM to 4PM.
- Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
- FPS Breakfast and Lunch Program: www.fpschools.org/meals
- FPS Education Resources: https://www.fpschools.org/exended-closure-resources-and-information/closure-educational-resources
- Want to add Canvas to your phone? Android or iOS. Once you download the app, search "fpschools" to find our district.
- FPHS Facebook page.
- FPHS Twitter page.
- FPHS Instagram page.
- Information about GRADES and GRADING.
- Information about BUSES.
- District CALENDAR.
- Information about ATTENDANCE.
- How to access and use DORA.
- Zoom Tutorial HERE.
COVID- 19 Resources:
- District Website: https://www.fpschools.org/
- Gov. Inslee's COVID-19 updates web page: https://www.governor.wa.gov/tags/covid-19-coronavirus
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Community Resources:
- District resources and partners: https://www.fpschools.org/departments/family-engagement-office/community-resources
- Check with your phone and internet provider: many providers are offering free and/or unlimited data, internet etc. during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
- Financial Resources: https://dfi.wa.gov/coronavirus/financial-resources